EMBATTLED Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will resign as the leader of the ruling Liberal Party.
Trudeau, who has been in power since 2015, has seen his popularity plummet in recent years as Canada faces a housing and economic crisis.
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“Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I’ve been inspired by the resilience, the generosity, and the determination of Canadians,” Trudeau said at a press conference outside the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa.
“It is the driving force of every single day I’ve have the privilege of serving in this office.
“That is why, since 2015, I’ve fought for this country, for you. To strengthen and grow the middle class.
“While we rallied to support each other through the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, to stand strong with Ukraine and our democracy.
“And to fight climate change and get our economy for the future. We are at a critical moment in the world.”
Trudeau, 53, said he disclosed his decision to his family over dinner on Sunday.
It has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.
Justin Trudeau
“You all know I’m a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians,” he added.
“I care deeply about his country, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians.
“But despite our best efforts to work through it, parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history.
“That’s why this morning, I advised the Governor General that we need a new session of parliament.
“She has granted this request, and the House will now be prorogued until March 24.”
Trudeau said he will remain prime minister until a new leader is chosen in a “robust and nationwide process.”
“Over the holidays, I’ve also had the chance to reflect. I’ve had long talks with my family about our future,” he said.
“So, last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision I am sharing with you today.
‘TIME FOR A RESET’
“I intend to resign as party leader and as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.
“It’s time for a reset,” Trudeau added.
“It’s time for the temperature to come down, for the people to have a fresh start in Parliament.”
Trudeau has been under mounting pressure from members of his own party and Canadians as the country faces sky-high inflation and extreme cost of housing.
The prime minister has been out of the spotlight in recent weeks despite growing pressure for him to step down.
The abrupt resignation of Trudeau’s finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, on December 16 further incited the concerns of his leadership status.
A recent poll by Ipsos revealed that 73% of Canadians, including 43% of Liberal voters, think Trudeau should resign as his party’s leader.
Canada has struggled to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic and is also being targeted by President-elect Donald Trump in his efforts to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States.
Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian products if Canada does not stop what he claims is an increase of drugs and migrants coming into the US from the northern border.
The president-elect pledged to impose the tariffs on Canada and Mexico on his first day in office.
Canada is one of the United States’ top trading partners.
Trudeau’s looming resignation will mark the end of a political era that began in 2013 when he became the leader of the Liberal Party.
Under his leadership, the Liberal Party won three consecutive elections in 2015, 2019, and 2021.
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